The Instructor of Field Experiences & Licensure Officer will a) coordinate and document ISBE-required field work—education internships and student-teaching experiences— for all education majors (Elementary, Secondary, and K-12), b) teach 12 credits of internship-related courses annually, and c) serve as Millikin University’s licensure officer. Pursuant to 105 ILCS 5/21B-100, the person in this position manages licensure-related transcript analysis, licensure articulation, licensure-related records, university and program compliance with the Illinois State Board of Education, and regular communications with the Illinois State Board of Education (including periodic webinars and state meetings). Organization of SOE and student teaching handbooks and department technology coordination (Banner, Argos, Moodle) are also integral to this position.
Will work closely with (among others): SOE Director; SOE Faculty; Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) University Liaison; Regional Office of Education Licensure Specialist(s); Committee on Teacher Education Programs (CTEP) Faculty Representatives; Millikin University Teacher Candidates (Traditional, Evening, & Licensure Only); Central Illinois Superintendents, Principals, and Teachers; Dean of the College of Professional Studies (CPS).
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES AS AN INSTRUCTOR OF FIELD EXPERIENCES include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Teach 12 credits of coursework annually, with a teaching load primarily consisting of Education Internship (ED170), ELED Junior Block Internship (ED370), and senior-level student teaching coursework (ED420 and/or ED488). Some of these courses require teaching (and assessment of) lesson planning, periodic formal observations, and evaluations of teaching effectiveness.
- Communicate regularly with SOE and university faculty to provide updates and information pertaining to internships and student teaching.
- Oversee student criminal background checks for education interns and address any negative results with SOE Director.
- Serve as File Manager for the SOE; complete records inventory sheets and organize internship/educational records for sake of audits, accreditation, etc.
- Maintain a student teacher database and placement records excel document each semester.
- Communicate with principals and cooperating teachers to schedule student teacher field placements each semester. Handle all documentation from teacher candidates to finalize/formalize their student teaching placements in schools.
- Serve as Professional Development Liaison (designated role per ISBE).
- Coordinate payment of honorarium checks for cooperating teachers and content test reimbursements for students that pass their ISBE-required content exam.
- Upload student Content Test scores (and EdTPA scores, if it returns as a state requirement) into Banner; assist SOE Director in analysis of data trends prior to the start of each academic year.
- Maintain ISBE compliance with cooperating teacher verification forms.
- Maintain student teacher course uploads and files in Moodle (e.g., Lesson Plan Templates, Student Teaching Handbook, EdTPA handbooks, EdTPA templates).
- Maintain updated Student Teaching Handbook, School of Education Handbook, and related forms online and in-office for faculty, staff and students.
- Works with the Director of the SOE on Student Teaching processes and procedures, including (but not limited to); hiring of student teaching field supervisors, supervisor mileage reimbursement paperwork, and student teaching course fees.
- Helps organize and deliver a “Student Teaching Workshop” two times per year that is attended by student teachers, cooperating teachers, and field supervisors for that semester (this workshop could be delivered primarily by a SOE faculty member based on SOE Director approval, but the arrangement of the workshop will be facilitated and coordinated by the Instructor of Field Experiences).
- Assist in planning and implementing an annual “Interview Bootcamp” event for student teachers and MU Alumni.
- Maintain online links to study guides for Content Tests and other ISBE licensure requirements.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES AS THE MILLIKIN UNIVERSITY LICENSURE OFFICER include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Conduct transcript analysis (for students seeking licensure approval, transfer students seeking licensure, educators adding endorsements beyond their existing license, Admission and Registrar records and requests, and graduation analyses).
- Communicate regularly with education majors and Millikin University faculty/staff to assure compliance with ISBE rules.
- Manage and communicate state licensure articulation to SOE Director, faculty, and/or administrative staff.
- Maintain licensure-related records and data (information for licensure, reciprocity, and related issues with other states; obtain records or transcripts for teacher candidates and applicants for licensure; work with program representatives to confirm completion of all requirements for licensure and endorsements during students’ final semester).
- Organize and maintain digital files related to content test score reports sent from ISBE.
- Serve as on-campus authority regarding compliance with the rules and regulations of the ISBE requirements and respond to questions from those within the university community and those outside the university.
- Oversee all university licensure program compliance with ISBE.
- Develop and manage university policies related to licensure programs to ensure compliance with state laws and legislation.
- Submit education program changes to ISBE for approval.
- Communicate and collaborate with the Illinois State Board of Education (receive and respond to ISBE communications; serve as authorized signatory for all licensure-related ISBE paperwork; closely follow laws and rules per ISBE developments regarding licensure and inform program representatives of pending changes that impact their programs; assist in the alignment to state requirements; entitle or recommend licenses, endorsements, and approvals when appropriate for completers as per Department of Education policies; submit any corrections or additions to prior ISBE Entitlement Reports, as needed).
- Serve as compliance liaison during entitlement audits conducted by ISBE.
- Keep ISBE informed of all institutional/program changes that affect preparation programs.
- Collect and analyze data and submit annual education reports required at state and institutional levels.
- Annual Data Reporting (APR)
- Title II Report
- Partnership for Educator Preparation Report
- Manage admission process for all applicants to the SOE (meet with incoming students, collect applications, utilize Banner for data tracking, monitor candidate progress, present eligible applicants to CTEP, send admission letters, process/file corresponding paperwork).
- Work with SOE Director and SOE staff to serve as Moodle Administrator for SOE, CTEP, and student teaching (e.g., uploading updated files/forms when necessary).
- Serve as Campus FEM Administrator (create and maintain complete Field Experience Module within Moodle or applicable program).
- Additional job-related duties as required by the supervisor.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: This position does not have supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws.
QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to succeed in a result-driven professional organization. Ability to maintain professional performance, demeanor, team-approach and focus on results while working under pressure in a dynamic environment. Customer, budget, quality and delivery conscious mindset. Ability to establish priorities, work independently with minimal supervision and facilitate teamwork. Highly organized, with the ability to plan, execute and multitask to meet deadlines with accuracy and attention to detail. Additional qualifications specific to this position are below:
Minimum Education and/or Experience
- Master’s degree, preferably in education or a related field
- Ability to establish and maintain connections with area school district personnel
- Working familiarity with Illinois licensure information and procedures (or ability to learn such information and procedures)
- Possesses (or can easily attain) a working knowledge of the coursework required for licensure, approvals, and teaching endorsements
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Comfort with electronic communication and database maintenance
- Can work productively and collaboratively with Departmental, College, School District and State personnel involved in licensure processes
- Exhibits a supportive, informational manner with teacher candidates and potential teacher candidates
- Current knowledge of school organization and leadership
Preferred Education and/or Experience
- Doctoral Degree (PhD or EdD) in education or a related field
- Previous experience teaching in public school settings and/or Illinois schools
- Previous teaching experience in Elementary Education (grades 1-6) is distinctly advantageous
- Evidence of effective teaching
- Evidence of successful academic advising
- Experience working with undergraduate college students